First, second ladies to visit troops at BAMC

S.A. stop is part of Obama's military families initiative.

By Gary Martingmartin@express-news.net :
April 12, 2011

WASHINGTON — First lady Michelle Obama plans today to kick off a national initiative highlighting the special needs of wounded military members and their families.

Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, will unveil the initiative at the White House before embarking on a two-day tour of medical facilities and family support centers in Texas, North Carolina, Colorado and Ohio.

“The initiative aims to educate, challenge, and spark action from all sectors of society,” according to a White House statement announcing the initiative, “to ensure military families have the support they have earned.”

White House officials said the San Antonio stop will include a private meeting between Obama, Biden and wounded military members and their families at BAMC.

The Warrior and Family Support Center is staffed by volunteers and provides families of wounded warriors a place to receive emotional support and counseling away from the hospital.

“This center is a shining example of how communities can step up for military members and their families,” the White House said.

After the San Antonio visit, Obama is scheduled to travel to Denver and participate in a more celebratory event at Coors Field, with a baseball game between the Colorado Rockies and the New York Mets. Singer Jessica Simpson is expected to perform, and the U.S. Air Force Academy baseball team will practice with military children attending the game.

Officials said the first lady will officially launch the initiative at noon today in a White House ceremony to thank businesses, philanthropists and government groups for what they have done to support veterans.

Obama and Biden will travel to Camp Lejeune, N.C., to highlight Operation Shower, a nonprofit organization that hosts baby showers for military families experiencing deployments or high-stress situations.

The White House delegation will meet with special guest Martha Stewart and bring gifts for 40 pregnant women whose husbands are service members.

The two-day tour by the first lady will end Thursday in Columbus, Ohio, where Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers and Elmo from the Sesame Street Muppets will take part in a concert-style event honoring National Guard members and their families.

Labor Secretary Hilda Solis is scheduled to join the first and second ladies in Columbus.